A notable win was being included in the recently signed disaster relief funds which retroactively applies to our Blueberry growers affected by Hurricane Irma. You will finally be able to apply for the much needed relief after suffering losses from the devastating storm.
Southern highbush blueberries (SHB) experience a significant amount of canopy growth during the summer months following post-harvest pruning. Most of the fruiting wood for next year’s crop is produced during the summer months. Careful irrigation and fertilization management is needed to ensure that the plants have sufficient water and nutrients to support this growth.
Florida producers continue to face major challenges as global production during the historical “Florida window” puts downward pressure on prices. As a land grant university, the University of Florida’s mission is to help Florida growers, nurseries, marketers, retailers, and ultimately Florida consumers.
The most important method of weed control is preventing current weeds in your field from developing seeds. Some common weed species in blueberry can produce more than 100,000 seeds per plant and can survive in the soil profile for 5 to 15 years. Preemergence herbicides can provide residual weed control for many weeks or months. But the frequent summer rainfall events may move the preemergence herbicide below the area of greatest control. So blueberry growers will rely on postemergence herbicides when they experience a reduction in weed control from preemergence herbicides.
Contact: Brittany H. Lee, President, Florida Blueberry Growers Association, 352-505-8878
Research on Most Effective Way to Keep Your Blueberries Hydrated
Florida blueberry growers produce more berries this year, despite pollination problems, gall midge and Hurricane Irma.
Positively Affecting the Blueberry Industry with ‘Little Changes’ Campaign
Q&A with Bill Braswell on Recent Bills Past
With Jeanette Klopchin, Pollinator Protection Specialist, Division of Agricultural Environmental Services, FDACS
Avoiding Water Stress During the Fruit Development Period
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<strong>Highlights and risk management strategies from the 2016 Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference</strong>
<strong>Last year’s chill hours and tracking temperatures for 2016-17 winter </strong>
WHEN I THINK of the recent challenges growers have faced, I’m reminded of a quote, which I’m sure many of you have heard: “The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” Made memorable by Will Rogers, this quote rings true for today’s growers as much as it did in his era (if not more).
